Illinois NRCS
Federal Women's Program Fact Sheet

The Federal Women’s Program (FWP) is a special emphasis management program within the Equal Opportunity Program of the federal government. The FWP was established in 1967 to enhance employment and advancement of women. The program provides a forum for all Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employees in Illinois. Although the program focuses on women, the information disseminated and items discussed pertain to employment issues that interest and help all employees regardless of gender.

Why is it Needed?

• Advancement barriers still exist for women; managers and other employees are often not aware of these barriers.
• Women are underrepresented at higher grade levels.

What are the Goals?

• To improve employment and advancement opportunities for women in NRCS.
• To increase respect for the abilities and accomplishments of women employees
• To address current issues of importance to women and men in today’s changing world.
• To promote employee’s advancement potential by providing information on career planning, upward mobility, special training, continuing education opportunities, and balancing work and family.

What Are The Objectives?

• Eliminate barriers, customs, and attitudes that hinder women from moving into certain occupations and high level positions.
• Improve self-confidence in women employees through education and training so they will become more competitive.
• Create awareness for the need for greater sensitivity to co-workers’ needs.
• Identify problems and solutions in recruiting, advancing, and retaining women in NRCS.
• Eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace.

What Can You Do?

• Educate yourself about women’s issues and communicate your knowledge to other employees.
• Recognize barriers and offer solutions.
• Identify obvious or potential concerns and bring them to the attention of the appropriate supervisor or the Federal Women’s Program Manager.

For More Information Visit:

FWP Web site

http://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/FWP/index.htm

Illinois NRCS Civil Rights Web site

http://www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/index.html

Your FWP Contacts…

Carzella Pritchett
Illinois Federal Women's Program Manager
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service
2118 W. Park Court, Champaign, Illinois 62439
Phone: (217) 353-6651
carzella.pritchett@il.usda.gov

Sharyn Alvarez
National Federal Women’s Program Manager
5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mail Stop 5472
Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone: (301) 504-2338
Fax: (301) 504-2175
Email: sharyn.alvarez@wdc.usda.gov